“We have renewed almost everyone, including Diego Costa (on a deal through to 2018). So our mind is set on keeping that block (of players) and slowly bringing some more players in that can go with this project. So we want all our great players, Diego Costa included, to continue here. And next season, at the moment, is planned with him.”

Diego Costa is not a done deal. Chelsea thought they were close and willing to match a buy-out clause of around £31million but Atletico Madrid are digging in on the back of their success and trying to tempt the player into an improved deal with a bigger clause.